If the Whitby Warriors didn't already know that, they sure found that out the hard way Wednesday night in St. Catharines.

Mind you, the Warriors did manage to recover from the game opening goal they allowed just 16 seconds in. And they fought back after the Athletics scored 28 seconds into the second frame as well.

But it's the final two that will leave a lasting mark.

With the Warriors leading by one goal in the final minute of the contest, Andrew Potter and Don McIlroy scored 17 seconds apart for the home side, the second of which came with only one tick remaining in regulation, thus giving St. Catharines a 10-9 victory.

Kyle O'Brien led the offence for the Warriors scoring three times and adding two helpers, while Nick Cotter scored a pair. Single tallies were provided by Phil McIlhone, Chris Davey, Steve Hutchins and Jay Winder.

Goaltender Joel Weber had three assists in a losing effort.

A night earlier, on their home floor, the Warriors played to a 9-9 overtime draw with Orillia.

McIlhone had four points, while Hutchins and O'Brien each had three to lead the way for the Warriors, who are in Toronto Monday and host Brampton Tuesday at 8 p.m. at Iroquois Park.